The Lost Prophecy | Year One

You'll Be My Friend?

"Excuse me," Phoenix muttered as she tried to free herself from Jack's firm grip on her arm. She had to get away from there. She couldn't bear to look anyone in the eye, knowing what she had done was entirely out of line.

"Phoenix –" Jack began, trying to hold her back but stopped when he met Scarlett's eyes. He reluctantly let go of her arm and watched silently as she dashed out of the room.

"Are you sure it is a good idea to leave her alone?" Blaise asked, voicing Jack's thoughts. Jack stared at Scarlett, "Why did you stop me?"

Scarlett turned to him, "She clearly doesn't want to talk about it, Jack. There is no point in badgering her about this right now."

Dean nodded, "Agreed. Besides, that was bloody brilliant! What was that spell again?" he asked looking around, waiting for one of them to reply, but none of them did. He frowned, "Come on! Don't tell me that wasn't cool! Ron had it coming if you ask me. The poor soul was minding her own business, even when he kept glaring at her throughout the class."

"That he was," Pansy nodded in agreement, "Now, excuse me, I have better things to do than to sit here and chit-chat with you lot," she said grabbing her bag. As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of pride at how Phoenix had stood up for herself. At that moment, Pansy vowed to never insult her again. It no longer mattered whether she was Pure-Blood or not, for Phoenix White had rightfully earned her respect.

"Me too," Draco said, gathering his books. "See you in the common room," he added, as he left the classroom along with Crabbe and Goyle.

"This is absurd," Jack huffed, as he angrily marched out of the class. Scarlett sighed and turned to Daphne and Blaise, "We should go too. I don't want Snape to come back and find us here."

"Well don't leave me here!" Dean cried as Blaise raised an eyebrow.

"Thomas, is it?" Dean nodded.

"Let's go down to the Black Lake, Nix said she'd come down there after her class," Daphne stated, as they made their way back to the Great Hall.

"Fine, but we'll have to check on Neville first," Dean stated, "I can't wait to tell all this to him, and man, Seamus is going to be so pissed that he missed all this."

Phoenix splashed some water on her face in a desperate attempt to keep her tears away but failed miserably. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get Ron's horrified face out of her head. Regret and guilt washed over her, and she felt as if she were drowning in a pool of ice-cold water when she heard the door open.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Hope I am not bothering you." said the voice. Phoenix quickly wiped her face and turned around to see Hermione Granger. Phoenix shook her head no, "No, no you're not," she said hoarsely.

Hermione offered a small smile as she took a step towards her, "Were you crying?" she asked softly, offering Phoenix her handkerchief.

Phoenix cleared her throat, "Sorry, I- I'll get out of your way," she replied, politely declining her offer.

"Nonsense, here take this," she thrust the handkerchief back into her hands, "Besides, I don't think you want anyone to see you crying."

Phoenix hesitantly took the cloth in her hands and gently wiped her face. "Thank you," she mumbled, looking at her through her blurry vision.

Hermione smiled, "I don't believe we've properly met each other. I'm Hermione Granger."

"Phoenix White," Phoenix managed a small smile, as she shook her hand.